Tough Cup draw for Master

Master O'Reilly's narrow hold on Sydney Cup favouritism is tenuous having drawn the outside gate in Saturday's Group 1 feature handicap at Randwick.

The Danny O'Brien trained gelding, to be ridden by Damien Oliver, not only has to carry topweight but has drawn barrier 19 for the 3200m event.

Master O'Reilly is the $6.50 favourite in a wide open market, closely followed by Fiumicino at $7.00 and Mr Tipsy and Newport at $8.00.

Master O'Reilly finished off his Cup campaign with a solid fourth in the Group 1 BMW Stakes and comes into Saturday's event at his fifth run from a spell.

O'Brien used a similar preparation in the spring when fifth-up for his luckless fourth in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup.

Master O'Reilly is being asked to break a recent weight carrying record, as over the last 20 years no horse has carried 57.5kg to success. Tie The Knot carried 57kg to win the seocnd of his Cups in 1999.

Story by Racing and Sports. To view the full story and Sydney Cup field click here